News

Shell set to reroute pipeline

SHELL is to announce within two weeks that it is prepared to reroute the Corrib gas pipeline in Mayo, in an attempt to end the local protests that have stymied the €900m project.

The state-owned Bord Gais is expected to become involved in the selection of a new route when it joins forces with Shell in the project.

The rerouting is likely to involve moving the pipeline about 200 metres from local homes. The nearest house to the current route across the Rossport peninsula is 70 metres away.

Moving the pipeline will not require planning permission, but the change will need ministerial consent, which could delay construction by 12 to 18 months.

Peter Cassells, who mediated between the multinational and locals, last week reported to Noel Dempsey, the natural resources minister, that Shell should “modify the route of the pipeline in the vicinity of Rossport to address community concerns”.